Navigating Life Transitions and Coping With Change
Life is full of ups and downs.
Then, when you think you have it all figured out, something changes, and you’re thrown for a loop. It may be a recent marriage, graduation, a new job, a baby, a big move, or the loss of a loved one. Or, it could be something very different. Regardless, it’s natural to struggle during these times of change. The problem is, change is a constant in life, so we must learn how to navigate it to be happy and successful. Today, I will discuss how to navigate these hard life changes so you can move forward with confidence.
Life is constant change.
Life is fluid, and it changes all the time. But, these changes aren’t always easy to navigate. Often, life transitions lead to mental health struggles, even if they are planned. This could include struggles like anxiety, depression, loneliness, and grief. It’s natural to want to freeze time and prevent change from occurring. But, the truth is, that never actually helps. The more we fight change, the worse it is when it finally arrives.
Or, you may be the type to overcompensate to prevent any possible problems from occurring. You hyperfocus and work so hard to prevent anything bad from happening. Then, you find yourself feeling more overwhelmed and anxious than you were before.
Others may have even told you to “go with the flow.” But, that is much easier said than done. When life has sudden changes and is moving fast, it’s very natural for you to shut down and slow down. In fact, it’s your body’s way of protecting you. Dealing with life transitions requires us to be vulnerable. But, this is frightening because it opens us up to the possibility of getting hurt.
Change is difficult.
By now you’re likely wondering what you can do to make life transitions a bit easier. You want to navigate and cope with the uncomfortable feelings you’re experiencing. That’s a great question! In short, there is no one clear-cut path. But, we have seen clients have great success when channeling the resiliency they have within.
First, think about the amount of control you have in this situation?
Often, individuals get very stressed about situations that are outside of their control. This leads to feeling “stuck.” Instead, I want you to reexamine the situation and think about the elements you do have control of. For example, say you’ve been let go or fired at work. You likely do not have control over that decision. But, you do have control over what you do next and the way you act in response to this less than desirable situation.
Next, I want you to think about your strengths.
What can you draw upon to help you through your struggles? Say you’re the creative type, think about how you can use this to your advantage. When you’re stressed or overwhelmed you can channel your creativity and do an art project or draw in a journal. Use this to release the negative feelings you’re holding deep inside.
Remember, the tough times allow you to learn and grow.
Change offers you an opportunity to re-focus on the things that are most important to you. These times can allow you to develop new strategies and foster deeper connections with the people or things that bring you joy. Take a moment to think about your life goals and your values. One activity that can help is to practice gratitude and make a gratitude journal. Recording the positive things helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and focus less on stress and negativity.
Last, it’s important to set yourself up for success by caring for your health and wellbeing.
This means nurturing your body, maintaining a solid daily routine, eating right, sleeping well, and getting exercise. These are all things you can control, even during times of change and hardship. It is understood that life transitions are often very tough to deal with, but it is largely unavoidable. Instead of becoming overwhelmed and feeling stuck, I would hope people see change as a chance for growth. Remember, difficult times allow you to better understand who you are and what your strengths are. We often need support to get to this point of enlightenment. Counseling for life transitions can offer you this kind of support. Together, you can create goals to help you be successful in the future.
If life is too busy right now, consider online therapy in California
If the life changes you’re going through are keeping you busy, then it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to take on any more commitments anymore. Online therapy allows you to meet with a therapist from the comfort of your surroundings. You don’t have to worry about traffic, missing the bus, or being late to work; instead, you can work online therapy into your life at a time that works well in your schedule.
Begin Counseling for Life Transitions in San Francisco, CA
Coping with major life changes is never simple. But, our caring therapists have helped many clients grow through these times of transition. We can support you in reflecting on what can and cannot be changed. Speaking to an in-person or online therapist can help you process these emotions. If you're ready to start your therapy journey, please schedule a free 20-minute consult with us.
Other Services Offered at California Integrative Counseling Center
Counseling for life transitions isn't the only service provided at our California-based counseling center. We provide a variety of services to support your mental health. We also provide ADHD treatment, couples therapy, and an ADHD support group as well. Learn more about our online therapy services, or visit our blog for more helpful info.
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